Email:yangfan2011@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn

Title

Tenure-track Associate Professor

Position

Director of the Department of Ceramic Art and Design

Educational Background

1998: Graduated from the Department of Ceramic Art and Design, Central Academy of Arts & Design (now Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University) with a bachelor’s degree

2003: Graduated from the Department of Ceramic Art and Design, Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University, with a master’s degree

2009: Graduated from the Department of Ceramic Art and Design, Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University, with a doctoral degree

Work Experience

1998 - 2011: College of Fine Arts, Capital Normal University

2011 - Present: Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University

Social Services

Special Invited Director of the China Traditional Crafts Research Association

Director of the Beijing Arts & Crafts Society

Research Interests

Design of Domestic Ceramics and Innovative Design of Traditional Ceramics

Academic Claims

The development of contemporary ceramic design in China should be grounded in the inheritance of the refined craftsmanship philosophy of traditional ceramic culture, gradually exploring and establishing a systematic and distinctive path of its own. Craftsmanship is a holistic concept. Its tangible aspects of making and shaping objects and its intangible dimensions of thought and philosophy are inseparable. Only through an in-depth study of the craftsmanship philosophy and production methods of traditional Chinese ceramics, combined with repeated testing through practice, can we build a new connection between traditional ceramic art and contemporary life.

As a form of cultural and artistic expression, ceramic art should embody a humanistic spirit, uphold the guiding role of tradition and national identity, and draw upon the aesthetic forms rooted in traditional Chinese culture to shape its artistic style. It should integrate the spirit and grandeur of traditional culture into each work, embrace creativity, and reflect the artist’s character.

Academic Achievements

A. In 2014, his monograph The Meaning of Zisha: A Study on the Craft of Yixing Zisha was published, offering an in-depth exploration of the craftsmanship philosophy behind Zisha pottery. The book was supported by the National Social Science Fund of China (Later-stage Funding Project) and the Beijing Social Sciences Theoretical Works Publishing Fund.

B. In 2020, he served as the editor-in-chief of A Comprehensive Research on Chinese Tea Ware, Volume III of A Refined Appreciation of Tea Ware Masterpieces and Masters, Past and Present (3 volumes in total), organized and compiled by the China Arts and Crafts Association. This project is a subproject of the Comprehensive Collection of Chinese Tea, which is a key publication under the National 13th Five-Year Plan for the publication of important books.

C. In 2015, he published the monograph Zisha Pottery, a fascicle of History and Modern: Chinese Porcelain’s Art, a project of the National Publication Foundation.

D. From 2016 to 2020, he participated in writing the ceramic entries for the Design Volume of the Encyclopedia of China (Third Edition), and served as the associate editor-in-chief for the ceramic section of the Design Volume in the same edition.

Papers and Publications

He has published 10 papers in core journals, including 3 in CSSCI-indexed journals.

“On the Form and Decoration of Primitive Painted Pottery,” published in ZHUANGSHI, Issue 6, 1998

“Traditional Porcelain Art and Modern Life,” published in ZHUANGSHI, Issue 12, 2002

“Formal Features of Traditional Chinese Ceramic Utensils,” published in Literature and Art Studies, Issue 1, 2004

“Purple Clay Teapot Craft of Yixing and Tea Culture,” published in ZHUANGSHI, Issue 2, 2008

“An Exploration of the Craft Ideas of Yixing Zisha,” published in Literature and Art Studies, Issue 2, 2008

“Thoughts on Ceramic Art Elective Courses in Universities,” published in Chinese Art Education, Issue 4, 2009

“The Fusion of Craftsmanship in Yixing Zisha Pottery,” published in New Arts, Issue 5, 2009

“The Holistic Craft Ideas in Yixing Zisha Pottery,” published in Fine Arts & Design, Issue 5, 2009

“The Creative Tool Consciousness in Yixing Zisha Craft,” published in Shanghai Art & Crafts, Issue 3, 2009

“Simulated Transformation of Ceramic Vessel Form,” published in Fine Arts & Design, Issue 1, 2014

Exhibitions

His ceramic artworks have been featured in numerous exhibitions, including the 2nd National Ceramic Art Exhibition, The New Aesthetics of Craft - Chinese Contemporary Craft Artists Nomination Exhibition, Shanhu · Renowned Zisha Artists Exhibition, Tea Aesthetics · International Tea Culture Exchange Exhibition, 1895 Chinese Contemporary Arts and Crafts Series Exhibition: Chinese Contemporary Ceramic Art Exhibition, Zisha Art Exhibition by the Zisha Art Research Institute, Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University,  Creation • Ideals: Exhibition of Academic Works of Teachers at Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University, and the New Crafts International Emerging Artists Group Exhibition. His celadon work “Incense Burner Set” won the Silver Award at the 2nd National Ceramic Art Exhibition in September 2003.

Teaching

He teaches a range of courses, including Introduction to Ceramic Art and Design, Fundamentals of Ceramic Modeling I & II, Ceramic Design I, Research on Ceramic Design Forms, Social Practice, Thesis Writing, and Graduation Project. His teaching emphasizes a strong foundation in theoretical knowledge and the development of core professional skills, aiming to enhance their overall competence. He encourages students to take initiative, think critically, develop original insights in theory, and improve their practical abilities in ceramic art and design. In his teaching, he strikes a thoughtful balance between hands-on craftsmanship and theoretical exploration, emphasizing both the inheritance of traditional culture and the integration of contemporary ideas. While drawing on international experience and approaches in ceramic art and design education, he also places great importance on preserving and refining traditional craft-based instruction. Through continual teaching practice, he has accumulated valuable experience, enriching both the curriculum and training methods. His teaching focuses on the design of functional ceramics for everyday use, with an emphasis on strengthening collaboration with ceramic production areas and businesses. He encourages students to develop the ability to independently create innovative designs that align with the needs of social and industrial progress, particularly in the field of functional ceramic design.